The selection of dictionary terms considered for the year’s highlights often lacks relevance and depth. Terms like “rage bait,” “parasocial,” and “vibe coding” may seem like trendy concoctions, but they fail to truly capture the spirit of the times. If a phrase were to encapsulate the essence of this challenging year, it would likely be “Trump grovelling,” a sentiment that many may have expressed repeatedly in 2025, expressing disdain for the excessive flattery directed towards the former president.
Since his inauguration, prominent figures, including tech billionaires, engaged in shameless displays of adulation towards Trump, transforming cabinet meetings into displays of unwavering loyalty resembling medieval courts. The need to praise the leader to extreme levels, akin to practices in North Korea, became the norm. This sycophantic behavior was exemplified by statements like Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff’s declaration that working for Trump was the pinnacle of his career, met with a smug response from the president.
International figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino also showered Trump with exaggerated praise, underscoring a global trend of subservience towards his regime. Even NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte and UK opposition leader Keir Starmer resorted to flattery, highlighting the extent to which powerful individuals debased themselves to curry favor with Trump.
However, amidst this culture of obsequiousness, a glimmer of hope emerged from an unexpected source—the BBC. Trump’s demand for a substantial fine due to a misrepresentation in a speech edit by the broadcaster led to a potential legal battle. The BBC’s response, challenging Trump’s claims and considering legal action, signifies a stance against the normalization of excessive deference towards authority figures.
Critics argue that Trump’s focus on the BBC incident serves as a distraction from other pressing issues. Nevertheless, the BBC’s willingness to confront Trump’s falsehoods and hold him accountable for his actions demonstrates a commitment to journalistic integrity and truth. By standing up to Trump’s attempts to manipulate the narrative, the BBC sets a precedent for upholding journalistic standards amidst political pressure.
In the face of mounting challenges and attempts to suppress dissent, the call for the BBC to pursue legal action against Trump symbolizes a commitment to truth and accountability in a climate characterized by excessive flattery and manipulation. It is a reminder that no price is too high to defend against the erosion of principles in the face of power dynamics.